Mélise Edwards PHD student
Neuroscience & Behavior PhD
I am a PhD student in the lab of Dr. Agnès Lacreuse currently studying sex differences in aging and the effects of sex hormones on cognition and behavior in the common marmoset. With an interest in primate behavior, sex hormones, disease pathology and age-related cognitive decline, I employ a few different techniques to better understand sex differences in age-related changes in the brain and behavior. I use next generation sequencing to look at changes in gene expression in brain regions important for learning and memory and cognitive testing paradigms to assess age-related changes in cognitive performance. In the lab of my co-advisor, Dr. Courtney Babbitt, I also work with marmoset induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and will begin a project evaluating the role of estradiol in synaptic homeostasis.
Outside of graduate school, I am passionate about activism, anti-racism, social and racial justice, photography, music, running and rock-climbing. I created a mentorship platform and 501(c)3 nonprofit called MUSE (mentorship for underrepresented STEM enthusiasts) which aims to provide representation and mentorship for severely underrepresented groups in STEM fields. I also enjoy doing outreach and have been a nationally sponsored rock-climber for eight years with many first female ascents. I started the ‘women’s climbing night’ at our local gym to provide a welcoming environment for women and nonbinary climbers and teach clinics, give talks and provide training advice upon request and have used my followings online to form affinity spaces and crowdfund to invest in mutual aid.
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post the pic
